CoxHealth expands telemedicine clinics for students in Salem, Maries County R-II

Posted by Kaitlyn McConnell on Aug. 15, 2019

Twenty-five school districts throughout the Ozarks have access to
health care without leaving school, and now, that list includes the Salem and
Maries County R-II.

The initiative allows students and staff in these districts to be
seen virtually by a CoxHealth-affiliated care provider when they become sick at
school. Visits are completely optional, and parents participate in the visit
either in person, or by phone or video using a smartphone (or other
video-enabled device) without having to leave work or home.

“This program serves students, parents and schools in a number of
ways,” says Tabitha Ferwalt, Virtual Visits product manager with CoxHealth. “It
allows kids be diagnosed quickly, and also helps reduce absenteeism.”

The efforts – powered by grant funding from the TKD Foundation and
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth – began in early 2017. At the
time, six districts were involved. Now, the list includes schools in Aurora,
Ava, Buffalo, Cassville, Eminence, Forsyth,
Galena, Lamar, Liberal, Marionville, Miller, Monett, Mount
Vernon, Mountain Grove, Ozark, Rogersville, Seymour, Sparta,
Summersville, as well as the aforementioned Salem and Maries County R-II.

If a diagnosis is made, prescriptions are sent to each family’s
preferred pharmacy. CoxHealth partners with CMN Hospitals at CoxHealth to
provide financial support for medications for those in need.